Understanding how the immune system and nerves interact in arthritis pain and inflammation
Official title: Elucidating the neuroimmune mechanisms underlying pain and inflammation in autoimmune arthritis
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10784407 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells and nerve cells work together in rheumatoid arthritis to better understand what causes pain and inflammation, with the hope of finding new ways to help people manage their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $240,516 |
| NIH project number | 1K99AR083482-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10784407 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who experience chronic pain and inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of arthritis or those without autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between immune cells and sensory neurons in the context of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a painful autoimmune condition. By mapping these interactions at a single-cell level in both healthy and inflamed joints, the study aims to identify specific pathways that contribute to pain and inflammation. The approach includes examining how sensory neurons can influence immune responses and vice versa, which may lead to new treatment strategies for RA. The research is designed to enhance our understanding of the neuroimmune mechanisms involved in arthritis pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of safer and more effective treatments for managing pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding neuroimmune interactions in other inflammatory conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jain, Aakanksha — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jain, Aakanksha
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.